Insect Repellent, SafariQuiphttp://www.safariquip.co.uk/all-categories/insect-protection/insect-repellent/
Insect Repellent from SafariQuiphttp://www.safariquip.co.uk/all-categories/insect-protection/insect-repellent/how-to-use-insect-repellent-safely/
You've bought an insect repellent and now you want to be safe from insect bites. We've put together this guide, all the instructions that makers often don't include with the bottle but will help you use insect repellent effectively and get the best protection from biting insects.

Do use a repellent as soon as insects show an interest in you and start to land.

Do apply repellent evenly over all exposed skin. Try to avoid leaving untreated areas because as the repellent effectiveness wears off, these will be the first places insects will land to feed.

The most effective way to apply an insect repellent is to spray or apply the repellent onto your fingers and then spread it over your skin by rubbing. With liquid insect repellents a thin film, just enough to moisten the skin but not to wet it, is best.

Do re-apply repellent when insects start to land on you again. How long a repellent lasts will vary depending on the repellent, the particular conditions and you. It may need to be be re-applied after anything from 30 minutes to 12 hours.

Do wash your hands thoroughly after applying insect repellent. Most repellents will make your eyes, lips and other sensitive skin sting if it comes in contact with them.

Adults should apply repellent for younger children as they are more likely to put their repellenty fingers into mouth or eyes, or miss bits.

Don't get repellent in your eyes or on your lips or other sensitive skin - it will sting, a lot.

Don't apply repellent to skin that will be protected by clothing - it's not needed, wastes repellent and, if your using a DEET based repellent, may damage your clothing. DEET is also absorbed through the skin, so really, the less skin the better.

Don't put on too much repellent: a) it will get rubbed off and be wasted.

Don't get DEET repellents on synthetic clothing and plastic possessions such as sunglasses and phone, it's likely to dissolve them.

Don't spray repellent directly on to your face.

Don't apply repellent to cuts, damaged or inflamed skin.

Don't buy the highest concentration DEET repellent unless you really do need it. High concentrations of DEET don't provide better protection, they may provide longer (between applications) protection. High concentration DEET repellents are stickier, smellier, more difficult to spread, more toxic and dissolve clothes and plastics even quicker.

Don't not use a repellent because you are worried about the side effects. The health risk from bites far exceeds the danger from any of the approved repellents listed here.

Wear light coloured clothing during the day. Many insects are attracted by darker colours.

Avoid shady spots. Biting is often less of a problem in sunshine and brightly lit areas.

Avoid sheltered spots, a breeze will make it hard for mosquitoes, midges, sandfly and many other insects to find you.

Avoid areas close to water and waterlogged ground where insects hatch or breed.

Use loose long sleeved tops and trousers to cover exposed skin on arms and legs, particularly at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes bite most.

Wear insect repellent clothing that has been specially treated with a permanent long life repellents. These are available at Safariquip and provide excellent protection. Buy insect repellent clothing

Close mosquito screens and hang mosquito nets before dark. Don't wait for them to get there first.

Repellent treated mosquito nets kill the insects that land on it and reduce the risk of bites both inside the mosquito net and out. More helpBuy a mosquito net

Mosquito killers, mosquito coils and insecticide sprays will clear your room of insects before you retire for the night. Some can provide protection throughout the night. More helpBuy a mosquito killer

For those people who tell us they "always get bitten". A good practical tip is to take two good repellents with different active ingredients. Experience has shown us that occasionally, combinations of individual and location defeat even the best 'bomb proof' repellents. Having two different repellents means you haven't all your eggs in one basket and this usually solves the problem.

As most people know, you're very much at risk from Mosquitoes and other nasties at night. We offer a wide range of high-quality Mosquito Nets to combat night nasties so you can sleep peacefully and protected!

You don't have to be bitten! We supply a variety of insect and mosquito repellents and killers. All are tried and properly tested for their effectiveness. Some use DEET, others natural plant extracts such as citronella, and eucalyptus. We even have insect repellents suitable for children and sensitive skins. Remember SafariQuip's promise, 'if it doesn't work, we don't stock it'.

Why take the risk? An estimated 700,000,000 people are likely to catch malaria from mosquito bites this year and many millions more will suffer from other diseases transmitted by insect bites. For most, discomfort and temporary disfigurement are all that insect bites cause. For a very small cost most of the discomfort and risk are preventable.

]]>Fri, 31 Jul 2015 16:25:48 +0100http://www.safariquip.co.uk/all-categories/insect-protection/insect-repellent/choosing-an-insect-repellent/
Advice about how to choose an mosquito repellent; whether you want to know which repellents are the most environmentally friendly, or safe for your skin, all the information for an informed choice can be found on this page. To buy an insect repellent visit this page.

Insect Repellents - The main active ingredients

DEET Insect Repellents

DEET (diethyl-meta-toluamide) is a very effective insect repellent developed in 1946. DEET still forms the active part in most insect repellents and as such is the most used insect repellent chemical worldwide.

Advantages: proven effectiveness at preventing bites, can remain effective for several hours. The use of micro-encapsulation technology has resulted in some almost odourless repellents.

Disadvantages: oily feel, causes irritation to eyes, lips and other sensitive areas; is absorbed by skin: can cause skin reaction with some users; damages several common plastics and fabrics; less effective in low concentrations, increased reaction risk in high concentrations; strong 'chemical' smell.

Special Features:
Very powerful and long lasting. Use sparingly as this is the maximum concentration made.

Suitability:
As strong as it gets!

Picaridine Insect Repellents

Picaridin, (KBR 3023, Icaridin, Bayrepel, Saltidin, Piparidine) This insect repellent has been available worldwide since 1998. It is recommended by the World Health Organisation and reported by them as having comparable or superior repellent properties to DEET.

Special Features:
Very effective, high concentration formula. Safe on sensitive skin. Doesn't damage plastics or clothing.

Suitability:
Longer lasting. Easy to apply. Safe.

Natural Insect Repellents

Natural insect repellents are usually based on the essential oils of either Citronella or Lemon Eucalyptus. Citriodiol (Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus) formulations have improved the effectiveness and reduced the need for frequent re-application helping natural repellents to become popular.

Advantages: non-sticky; non-toxic and environmentally friendly; safer on sensitive skins and some can be used on children as young as 3 months; reduced irritation; harmless to most plastics and fabrics.

Disadvantages: more expensive; may need more frequent re-application to maintain full protection.

Special Features:
Natural, non-toxic, effective. Safe for children over 3 months & on sensitive skin. Harmless to plastics and clothing.

Suitability:
Excellent general purpose, lasts well. Safe for children (3mths).

Pyrethrin and Pyrethroid Insect Repellents

Pyrethrins are naturally-occurring compounds with insecticidal and repellent properties that are found in pyrethrum extract from certain chrysanthemum flowers.

Pyrethroids are manufactured chemicals that are very similar in structure to the pyrethrins, but are often more powerful and longer lasting.

Advantages: safer to use on children, pets and plants; biodegradable; considered safe in normal use - low toxicity to mammals; does not accumulate in the body; generally harmless to clothing and plastics.

Special Features:
Spray-on insect repellent provides protection for up to 6 hours. Compact and handy spray. Fine on children and clothes.

Suitability:
Small & compact, ideal for pocket or bag. OK for children.

IR3535 Insect Repellents

IR3535 is a synthetic biocide used in Europe since the 1980's now as a repellent registered to Merck and approved for use as an insect repellent by the E.U. Not as widely used as other repellents, possibly because of contradictory reports of its effectiveness.

Advantages: few side effects and considered safe to use. Less oily than DEET and more pleasant to use.

Disadvantages: independent studies have produced widely differing reports of its effectiveness, particularly against malaria mosquitoes. May need to be re-applied more frequently.

Not currently stocked

Type:

Active Ingredient: IR3535

Special Features:

Suitability:

Insect Repellents - The types of application available

Spray Insect Repellents

Pump Spray Bottles and Aerosols In common used for most repellents. Pump spray bottles have largely replaced aerosols for most brands making them more environmentally friendly and reducing the complications for air travel.

Advantages: you can conveniently spray a small volume directly onto the skin without the risk of spilling or over application.

Disadvantages: not precise enough to use on the face close to your eyes and other sensitive skin. Difficult to apply close to clothing. Over-spray can be wasteful.

Mini-Spray Insect Repellents

Mini Pump Spray Bottles Finger sized mini-spray bottles containing 8ml of the insect repellents DEET or Citriodiol (lemon eucalyptus) are now available, as well as bite relief and sun protection sprays. Bigger 25ml bottles of some repellents are also made.

Advantages: leakproof, light and ideal for carrying in a pocket or small bag on days out. No excuse now for not having an insect repellent with you when the mozzies start to bite. Much better value than insect repellent wipes and more environmentally friendly too.

Disadvantages: should be enough for several days but not sufficient for prolonged use in a high risk area.

Cream or Lotion Insect Repellents

Cream in Tubes or Lotions in Bottles Less commonly available so less choice of brand and formula.

Advantages:easy to get a very precise coverage by putting a little on the fingers and then spreading over the skin. Economic because you have good control of the amount applied.

Disadvantages: can be a bit messy and you need to be able to wipe your hands clean after you've finished, and before you touch eyes, mouth, food, camera, sunglasses and so on.

Roll-on Insect Repellents

Roll-on Bottles: Less commonly available so less choice of brand and formula. Normally a liquid repellent with a roller applicator.

Advantages: very easy to apply precisely while keeping hands and clothing clean. Easy to carry around and generally less likely to spill.

Disadvantages: difficult to cover large areas evenly and thoroughly so better suited to use in areas of low insect risk.

Stick Insect Repellents

Rub-on Sticks: Less commonly available so less choice of brand and formula. Normally the repellent is mixed with a wax.

Advantages: easy to apply without mess. Nothing to spill. Less danger of getting on clothing.

Disadvantages: Wax sticks can melt in higher temperatures. Typically has a lower concentration of repellent. Can't be used to cover large areas.

Associated Products

Insect Killers For when you need to clear a room or tent of insects before retiring to bed. Or perhaps you're having a barbeque and would like to eat not be eaten.

Bite Relief If you forget your repellent or are unlucky and still get bitten then the products below will help ease the discomfort and swelling. These will also work for stings.

Repellent Wrist & Ankle Bands

Special Features:
DEET is absorbed through the skin and toxic. Avoid continuous contact with strong concentrations on wrist bands.

Suitability:
Not for children. Use with caution.

]]>Fri, 31 Jul 2015 16:21:38 +0100http://www.safariquip.co.uk/all-categories/insect-protection/insect-repellent/
This insect repellent, midge and mosquito repellent range is chosen using decades of experience. It includes the most effective repellents available to protect even young children and those with sensitive skin. Going to a high risk destination like jungle or rainforest? You can still avoid bites. This shop has the best natural insect repellents, traditional DEET repellents and safe, modern, low toxicity, DEET free repellents.
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